Liverpool star Mohamed Salah clashed with Jurgen Klopp on the touchline against West Ham on Saturday before giving reporters a juicy sound bite at the London Stadium

Mohamed Salah was protecting the Liverpool team morale when he refused to explain why he rowed with Jurgen Klopp at West Ham, according to Glen Johnson.

Salah was seen furiously arguing with his manager while waiting to come on during Liverpool’s damaging 2-2 draw at the London Stadium on Saturday. Darwin Nunez was forced to step in and move Salah away from Klopp, who was clearly unhappy with what the Egyptian was saying.

Salah’s actions appeared to be born out of frustration, having been benched for the second time in a week amid a slump in form. But walking through the mixed zone after the game, he declined the opportunity to stop and speak to reporters, simply stating: "If I speak, there will be fire."

Some have interpreted those words as inflammatory and suggested it shows a division between Liverpool’s outgoing manager and star player, but former Reds defender Johnson sees it a different way.

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"I appreciate his honesty because, the thing is, the only person that loses is him,” he told Squawka. “If he speaks his mind and tells you what’s really on his brain, then everyone’s going to criticise him for it and he can’t win.

“So that’s why players shouldn’t do interviews when they’re fiery, or angry, or have just come off the pitch, or were sent off, because they’re going to speak from the heart. And some people aren’t designed to take that.

"So I don’t mind it. At least he’s calculated and he knows that he’s going to say some stuff that’s going to upset people, so I’m sure he’s told the people that are upsetting him in person. I respect it. I’m sure he’s let his steam off elsewhere.

“Obviously other fans and the press would love him to do it, for them. But it isn’t about them. I’m sure whatever he’s got to say is for the benefit of the manager and the team."

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Klopp himself played down the significance of the spat, telling TNT Sports post-match: “We spoke already in the dressing room, for me that’s done.”

The duo will be forced to make up, with Liverpool preparing to face Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday.

The Reds are third, four points behind defending champions Manchester City, who have a game in hand, and five adrift of current leaders Arsenal. But while they have almost no chance of winning the title, they should be motivated to end the season strongly, given that Klopp is stepping down this summer after over eight years in charge.

Despite the public falling out, Salah is expected to stay with Liverpool for the 2024/25 season under incoming boss Arne Slot.

The winger has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League but the feeling is mutual between Salah and the club that he should extend his stay with the club into a seventh season.